Holiday - Proofing For Your Pets

By Dr. Jean Hofve

The holiday season, while a happy time for most
people, can be a stressful and even dangerous time for pets.
Their routines are upset, visitors abound, and extra-tempting
smells are coming from the kitchen!

Sharing is one of the most beloved aspects of the
holidays, and it’s fine to share some turkey and other
goodies with your pets. However, the caution about feeding
“scraps” remains in effect - do not give your cat or dog any
dinner discards, like turkey or ham bones, or fatty items
like turkey skin. These can cause serious tummy upset; in
dogs especially, too much fat can trigger life-threatening
pancreatitis. Ask dinner guests to refrain from feeding
“under the table” - or better still, keep pets safely confined
during the festivities. Chocolate, of course, is toxic to
both dogs and cats - they’re safer with
treats than sweets! After dinner, be sure the garbage is
secure from any sneaky paws that may come prowling after the
rest of the family is asleep!

The holiday season can be very stressful for our pets.
Natural remedies, like flower essences for anxiety, herbs for stress, and
homeopathy for stress, can help cope with the increased hustle and
bustle. Help your pet handle the visitors and excitement of
the holidays with
SpiritEssence Holiday Stress Stopper,
HomeoPet Anxiety remedy,
Only Natural Pet Just Relax Flower Essences, or
Only Natural Pet Relaxi-Herb Herbal Formula.

A Christmas tree may be irresistibly tempting to explore
or even climb, so if you have one, make sure it's in a sturdy stand,
and if necessary, secure it with twine or wire to keep it
from falling. Do keep your pets away from the water in the
stand, which can contain toxic tree sap and other chemicals.
Use a “tree skirt,” or wrap a towel, sheet, or other barrier
around the base of the tree and stand and tape it securely,
or otherwise make the area inaccessible to your furry
friends.

Keep glass ornaments to a minimum if you must use them at
all, and place them higher on the tree, with unbreakable
ornaments lower down. A broken glass ornament is a minefield
for tender little paws. If a pet eats all or part of a glass
ornament, immediately feed cotton balls or bread soaked in
milk or cream; the soft material will gather up all the
sharp pieces and guide them safely through the digestive
system and out the other end! Keep other small or breakable
holiday decorations out of reach.

Lights and wires on the tree and around the home pose an
invitation to chew for both cats and dogs. Make sure all wiring
is in good condition. For wires that are easily accessible
to curious mouths (especially young animals or those that
like to chew things), run the wires through inexpensive foam
pipe insulators (available at any home improvement or
hardware store). Of course, never leave the lights on
overnight or when you aren’t home to supervise; many house
fires have started that way!

Metal tinsel is rare these days, but Mylar garland and
decorations can also pose
a hazard if swallowed. Its sharp edges can cause serious
damage to a pet’s intestines. If your pet is young, or likes
to chew on ribbons, garland and such, consider beaded garland
instead. Also, when unwrapping presents, make sure all
ribbon and string is safely disposed of - these can also be
hazardous to pets if ingested.

Parties and visitors increase the risk of a cat slipping
out through an open door; make sure all your pets are
micro-chipped and wearing collars and ID tags. (If your pet
needs a new collar this holiday season, check out our
stylish selection!) If possible, provide a “base camp”
for your pet that includes food, water, bed, scratching
post, and litter box, in a room that’s less likely to be
disturbed. No decorations in that room, please, especially
lit candles! (Of course, unattended burning candles are a
serious hazard any time of year!) To make base camp even
more comforting to your pet, spray
Only Natural Pet Phero-Soothe around the room, or put a
dropper full of
flower essences in a spray bottle filled with
spring water, and spritz the area.

A little extra care and attention will make this holiday
season a safe and joyous one for the whole family!

The articles and information in the Holistic Healthcare Library are presented for
informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any product.
The information is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local veterinarian.
Instead, the content offers the reader information and opinions written by our staff,
guest authors, and/or veterinarians concerning animal health issues and animal care
products.

We always offer you the lowest of the sale price, the price with a coupon code discount, or the Simplify Life automatic delivery price. You can tell which one applies because it will say "Sale Savings:" if the item is on sale and that is the lowest price, "Coupon Savings:" if you have applied a coupon code discount and that is the lowest price, or "SLP Savings:" if you have selected the Simplify Life automatic delivery program and that is the lowest price.

Special Offers at Special Prices!

Click the checkbox next to any items you would like below and we will add them to your order with no increase in your shipping cost.
Only $9.00 more to get free shipping!

Only Natural Pet Canine PowerFood 1 lb 3 Pack Trial

Made in the USA with the highest quality meat and fish and low glycemic carbohydrates

"We transistioned to PowerFood a month ago and not only does our dog love it but the transition was very easy and no tummy problems. Even better - we're saving money feeding this great food. Thanks!!" - Denver Arthur, CO

Only Natural Pet Feline PowerFood Poultry Dinner Dry Food 1 lb Trial

Holistically formulated with high-quality meats that are rich in protein, fat and amino acids, like taurine

"My cats love the taste and I love that this food is all natural, with no artificial ingedients. Also, no grains, meal, or by-products. I am happy to have a food I can feel good about giving my cats, that is truly good for them, and they love to eat!" - L.E. Santa Cruz, CA

Save 75%!

NatureSPA 1.7 Liter Pet Water Fountain

$12.99

$29.99

Naturally promotes hydration and overall health and the 1.7 liter system is ideal for small dogs

High-quality charcoal filters and BPA-free design cleans and freshens water